What should I do if otitis media is causing pus discharge?

Written by Deng Bang Yu

Otolaryngology

Updated on September 02, 2024

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Otitis media refers to various inflammations of the middle ear cavity, primarily bacterial inflammation. These bacteria are mainly Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Otorrhea in otitis media indicates relatively severe inflammation and the occurrence of a tympanic membrane perforation, allowing the purulent discharge to be expelled from the ear. In addition to indicating severe inflammation of otitis media, it is necessary to use antibiotics to control the infection. This can include topical antibiotic ear drops like compound polymyxin B ear drops and oral cephalosporin antibiotics, as well as intravenous infusion of cephalosporins to treat the infection.

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Written by Zhang Jun

Otolaryngology

1min 9sec

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Can otitis media heal itself?

Otitis media is difficult to heal on its own because it is caused by an acute bacterial infection that leads to reduced eustachian tube function, resulting in fluid accumulation in the middle ear cavity. Patients will experience sudden high fever, with body temperatures above 38.5°C, severe pain in the ear, and symptoms of hearing loss, tinnitus, and a feeling of ear fullness. Upon examination, the eardrum appears significantly congested and swollen, and a large amount of fluid can be found in the middle ear cavity. In terms of treatment, otitis media initially requires symptomatic anti-inflammatory treatment. Patients can take oral medications such as cefaclor, amoxicillin, and potassium penicillin V tablets. At the same time, the ear should be treated locally with ofloxacin ear drops twice a day, which can reduce local congestion and swelling. During treatment, patients also need to maintain a light diet, avoid vigorously blowing their nose, and prevent water from entering the outer ear canal. Generally, recovery can gradually occur within a week. (The use of medication should be under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Mao Cai

Otolaryngology

53sec

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Can you swim with otitis media?

Patients with otitis media should not swim, whether it is acute or chronic otitis media. This is because water can enter the ear during swimming. Once dirty water enters the ear, especially in cases of chronic otitis media, it can lead to an acute episode of chronic otitis media. Many patients with chronic otitis media have a perforated eardrum. Without the protection of the eardrum, dirty water can directly enter the middle ear, causing an acute episode of otitis media. This can result in suppuration, ear discharge, and further deep infections, such as infections reaching the deep bone tissue of the mastoid, which requires a long time to treat and might even necessitate surgical intervention. If it is the acute phase of otitis media, the entry of water can irritate the eardrum or cause the pus in the middle ear to worsen, further hindering recovery and exacerbating the condition.

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Written by Li Rui

Otolaryngology

50sec

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How to relieve pain from acute otitis media?

Acute otitis media commonly leads to pain, and it can also cause feelings of ear blockage, decreased hearing, and secretions in the ear canal. If the pain is significant, it is primarily considered to be caused by acute infection and inflammation. Initial treatment involves timely anti-infection therapy, predominantly with antibiotics, taken orally. If the inflammation is severe, infusion therapy may be necessary, and ear drops can also be considered. If, after anti-infection treatment, the pain still hasn't significantly relieved, painkillers can be considered. Generally, the treatment period is about a week, and regular follow-up checks with an otoscope and maintaining dryness in the outer ear canal are necessary. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor based on specific conditions.)

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Written by Li Rui

Otolaryngology

50sec

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How to treat otitis media?

Otitis media is a relatively common ENT disease, with various clinical classifications including chronic otitis media, acute otitis media, secretory otitis media, and cholesteatoma-type otitis media. Different types of otitis media require different treatment plans. Some patients may consider oral medication, some may need ear drops for ear bath treatment, some may require tympanocentesis, and others might need surgical treatment. Therefore, after the onset of the condition, it is necessary to visit an ENT department for diagnostic tests such as audiological testing and endoscopic examination of the ear. Some patients may also need a CT scan to determine the specific severity of the condition and tailor the treatment accordingly.

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Written by Deng Bang Yu

Otolaryngology

45sec

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What should I do if otitis media is causing pus discharge?

Otitis media refers to various inflammations of the middle ear cavity, primarily bacterial inflammation. These bacteria are mainly Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Otorrhea in otitis media indicates relatively severe inflammation and the occurrence of a tympanic membrane perforation, allowing the purulent discharge to be expelled from the ear. In addition to indicating severe inflammation of otitis media, it is necessary to use antibiotics to control the infection. This can include topical antibiotic ear drops like compound polymyxin B ear drops and oral cephalosporin antibiotics, as well as intravenous infusion of cephalosporins to treat the infection.